Light-guiding hydrogel devices for cell-based sensing and therapy

摘要

A hydrogel-lightguide based sensory system susceptible to a stimulus signal produced by ambient and stimulating sensory cells embedded in a hydrogel body of the system. Sensory cells generate an optical signal (in response to a user-defined triggering with excitation light or, alternatively, due to bioluminescence) the properties of which, determined based on detection of such signal with an optical detector device, provide characterization of the stimulus and information required for user-defined activation of emitter cells encapsulated in the hydrogel. When activated, emitter cells generate matter and/or light directed to interact with the ambient.

主权项

1. An assembly, comprising:
a polymer hydrogel body; sensory receptors encapsulated inside said body, said sensory receptors configured:
when irradiated with first light channeled thereto by said body, to detect a stimulus produced by an ambient in the vicinity of said body, andto emit second light is response to a detection of said stimulus; and reflex elements encapsulated inside said body, said reflex elements configured
in response to user input applied thereto, and following emission of said second light by said sensory receptors, to generate an output configured to interact with said ambient.